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Thursday, March 28, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Book Review: Wonder By R.J. Palacio
“Kinder than is
necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than
needed.”
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder
It’s been a long time since I last read a children’s story, and
although Wonder was definitely written for
children; it was a wonderful reading experience. It was like going back to the
5th grade, when things were simple, but not really.
August (Auggie) Pullman is a 10-year-old boy born with a facial
deformity. The story centers on Auggie’s first year of school, the vexations
and excitements of fifth grade and how he navigates the waters of middle school;
made more complex by his facial deformity.
Wonder isn’t some wordy examination of life with a facial
deformity, it is a look into the lives of everyone affected by this “deformity”
and how they deal with it; whether that be with ignorance or acceptance, love
or hatred.
During the story, we hear from his sister and various friends
what it is like to live with Auggie and how, after the initial shock of his
face, they find him to be a regular boy with likes and dislikes; problems and
solutions. That isn’t to say Auggie isn’t remarkable, because he is remarkable,
and not because he has a“deformity,” but because in spite of this, he is
strong.
This story filled me with fierce emotions, anger (at cruel
bullies), sadness (for what Auggie has to go through every day), but in the end
I felt triumphant, like I was standing by Auggie, victorious against the odds.
It helped me to think of my blessings and refrain from self-pity. R.J. Palacio
is a superb writer, crafting a swiftly-moving, page-turner with a simple
message: be kinder than you need to be.
Have you already read Wonder? Please tell us what you thought by leaving a comment…
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder
Saturday, March 16, 2013
About Me
Hello, I'm Deborah. When I’m not writing I’m probably reading or drinking tea (Seriously though, I'm probably watching Sherlock.)
10 favorite things in the world (Not necessarily in this order):
1. People
2. Books
3. Poetry
4. Sunshine (& clouds and Rain)
5. Music (specifically John Mayer, Taylor Swift and Regina
Spektor)
6. Love
7. Tea (& Coffee)
8. Chocolate
9. The Beach
10. Color
I hope you find something of use to you on The Crafty & Curious.
If I inspire you just a little, then I've succeeded.
Enjoy,
Deborah
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